Swine Flu Returns to MP, Three Dead
Bhopal — After a lull of three months, the deadly H1N1 virus is again active in Madhya Pradesh, claiming three lives in the month of August so far, said reports citing a top Health Department official on Wednesday.
Twenty-two positive cases have been reported in the state. “Two persons in Jabalpur and one in Indore died of swine flu this month and 22 others were suffering from this disease,” Health Department Joint Director BM Chauhan was quoted as saying by agencies.
No case of the dreaded disease was reported in the state between May and July, he said.
One person died on August 3, the second succumbed to the deadly virus on August 11 in Jabalpur and the last death was reported from Indore on August 15, he added.
Of the 22 H1N1 positive cases, two are in Bhopal and the rest in Jabalpur and Indore, informed the official.
The Joint Director said 80 suspected cases of swine flu were reported, of which swab samples of 56 persons were sent for test at Jabalpur-based ICMR lab.
Of these, 25 tested positive for HINI and three of them died, he said, adding the state has adequate stock of medicines and manpower to treat swine flu patients.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health, Mahendra Hardia on Wednesday urged officials to step up efforts to combat the H1N1 virus and maintain a high-level of preparedness across the state.
